Festive Photos 2025
It's our most favourite time of year!
There are some minor changes to this year's Festive Photos, so we would love it if you could read through the FAQs carefully before booking your session.
If you have a question or need further clarification, please email us at festivephotos@poppiesforgrace.com.
When are Festive Photos 2025?
Wednesday 19 November - 10am to 5pm
Thursday 20 November - 10am to 5pm
Friday 21 November - 10am to 5pm
Saturday 22 November - 10am to 5pm
When do tickets go on sale?
10am Saturday 1 November.
Want to be notified when tickets go on sale? Subscribe here.
How much are tickets?
$250
How do I book?
An email with a booking link will be sent to our subscribers on Saturday 1st November.
You can also access it here: booking link
We suggest bookmarking the booking link for easy access when they go on sale.
Please note the link will not be valid until the tickets go on sale on Saturday 1st November at 10am.
Want to be added to our email list so you get alllllll of the reminders? Subscribe here.
What do I get?
A 10 minute shoot with our photographer in front of a custom made backdrop made by Poppies For Grace.
5 x professionally edited photos emailed to you via an online gallery link (If the photographer has taken more than 5 photos, any extra images will all be included in the gallery link, where you will have the option to upgrade and purchase the full gallery for an extra $150 if you wish).
20% off discount code to use at Poppies For Grace (valid for the week of festive photos only).
Where can I view previous year's Festive Photos?
You can view our sample gallery here.
Who is the photographer this year?
We’re thrilled to welcome back last year’s dream team - Bec Matheson and Veronika Sanderson - ready to capture all the joy, laughter, and sparkle of the season.
Both Bec and Veronika are great at making everyone feel comfortable, even those who are a little anxious in front of a camera. Their photos are pure joy!
Bec Matheson is a Melbourne-based photographer and an introvert - she totally gets it if you feel awkward being photographed. But with more than 15 years’ experience, Bec has developed a knack for helping people feel at ease. Her warm, attentive approach creates images that reflect genuine connection and timeless joy, celebrating people and the richness of their everyday. This will be Bec’s third year capturing Festive photos for us and making our camera shy folks feel at home in front of the camera. Bec will be shooting Wednesday 19th, Thursday 20th & Saturday 22nd.
Veronika’s photography journey began early as a curious young girl living in Czech Republic, surrounded by the arts. Her style is fun and relaxed and more than anything, Veronika loves to capture all those incredible moments in people’s lives that if you blink, you’ll miss. She will bring the joy and make you feel comfortable while capturing the most genuine of moments. Veronika will be shooting on Friday 21st.
When are tickets secured?
Tickets are not secured until you have checked out and paid. Simply having them in your cart does not guarantee that they are yours and does not secure your timeslot.
To avoid disappointment, move quickly on the day! Multiple customers can have the same session in their cart and the first person to pay for the ticket will secure the booking.
Festive photos are the highlight of our year and we know that they are yours too! Unfortunately, we only have limited tickets available and we know it can be disappointing if you miss out. We do our best to make the process and the shoots full of ease and joy. Please be kind as you communicate with us - we are doing our best!
I miss out every year! What should I do?
Oh gosh! We understand how frustrating that can be. Our best suggestion is to set an alarm for 9:50am on Saturday 1st November and have your preferred payment method ready to go.
Due to high demand, we suggest booking what you can and making it work.
Is there a wait list?
Yes! If you miss out on a ticket or your preferred day, please pop your name on the wait list via the booking link.
Can I book two or more sessions?
Yes - book the sessions you require.
Will more sessions be released?
Very unlikely.
How long are the sessions?
10 minutes.
Please ensure that you arrive 5 minutes before your session time to ensure you get your full 10 minutes with the photographer.
Sessions run back to back with some resetting in between. Please be mindful of the 10 minute allocated time as we don't want to run behind schedule.
How many people can attend the shoot?
For safety reasons, we allow a maximum of 6 people per shoot. Sorry, strictly no pets allowed.
Where are the photos taken?
In a cosy and professional studio at the rear of 287 Auburn Road, Hawthorn - just a few doors down from our Hawthorn store.
Please see the map at the bottom of this page. On the day, follow the map and the balloons that will guide you to the studio or pop into the store and our retail team will point you in the right direction.
How will my photos be delivered?
The photographer will send you a gallery link via email in the first week of December. If you haven't received your photos by then, please check your junk folder. If you still can't find them, please email festivephotos@poppiesforgrace.com. Please DO NOT reach out to the photographers directly. All queries need to go through Poppies For Grace.
What is the backdrop this year?
We can't wait for you to see it! It is festive fun turned all the way up to 100! This year we are going with your traditional red, green and gold with some pops of pink.
Designed and created by the Poppies For Grace team, it will bring all the festive joy and a lot of shimmer and sparkle!
Keep an eye on our socials as we will release a sneak peak of the backdrop closer to the festive photo session dates so you can team with the theme if you want to.
Please note that that our backdrop design is subject to change without notice.
Will there be props available for purchase this year?
Yes! We have a curated selection of props for you to purchase and use during your session.
View our Festive Photo prop collection
When purchasing your props, please choose click and collect as your shipping option and nominate your ticket time and date as the pick up time.
Props will be ready and waiting for you at the studio at the time of your session and need to be taken home with you after your session.
Where can I park?
There is lots of street parking on Auburn Road and Broomfield Street.
What should I wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable in!
Please come ready in your chosen outfits as there will be no time or space to get changed.
What time should I arrive for my session?
5 minutes before your session.
Please wait outside the studio if you arrive earlier than expected. Or, even better, wander around to the party wonderland that is our Hawthorn store (and maybe even use that special discount code you get with your ticket!).
I can't make it to my session, what do I do?
Due to high demand, tickets are not refundable. Consider giving your ticket to a friend and let us know their details. We do have a waitlist, so if we can fill your session we can offer you a refund, but this is not guaranteed.
Please email us at festivephotos@poppiesforgrace.com if you cannot make your session.
I've woken up sick or have sick kids, what do I do?
Oh no! We are so sorry, that is not fun! Please see above for what to do if you are unable to make it to your session.
We do ask that if you are unwell, that you cancel out of respect for our photographers and the Poppies staff. Thank you.
I'm running late for my session, what do I do?
Please call our Hawthorn store on 03 9813 1618 with your name and session time. We will do our best to juggle the times and get you sorted.
Can I bring a pet?
We are sorry but strictly no pets allowed.
Should I pull my kids out of school for photos?
People do this every year - no judgement here!
Can I bring props?
Yes. We encourage you to bring props especially if this makes your little ones feel more comfortable (eg. fave toy).
How old do I have to be to have my photo taken?
All ages are welcome. Babies* toddlers, siblings, adults, friends, families, lovers, work mates, business head shots, solo shots - all are welcome.
*If you have a baby, consider bringing a 'Bumbo' so they can sit up.
I still have questions...what do I do?
No worries - please email us at festivephotos@poppiesforgrace.com.
